1 TRANSLATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND ... - APFA News

The key threats to Bhutan are retreating glaciers, glacial lake outbursts, floods
and variability in weather patterns affecting agriculture and loss of bio-diversity.
International Relations
The Royal Government continues to make concerted efforts to promote and
strengthen Bhutan’s global image, safeguard its national interest, strengthen and
maintain friendly relations with all countries, particularly with neighbouring
countries and development partners.
The excellent relations with India have been further strengthened through
numerous high level visits, cultural exchanges, development co-operation and
extensive trade relations. India continues to be Bhutan’s largest development
partner as well as a trusted friend. The recent visit of the Indian foreign
secretary has further strengthened the close ties of friendship between the two
countries.
Last year, the Hon’ble Foreign Minister paid an official visit to India followed
by the visit of the Hon’ble Minister for Health and Education this year. There
are many programmes planned for such bilateral visits hereafter.
This year, an exhibition on the theme ‘the Living Religion and Cultural
Traditions of Bhutan’ will be hosted in several Indian cities. The Chairman
expressed confidence that such events will help to further strengthen the strong
bond of friendship and understanding that already exists between the peoples of
India and Bhutan.
One of the most important events in the past year pertaining to Bhutan’s foreign
relation was the Seventh Round Table Meeting held in Thimphu last November.
It was by far the biggest international conference held in Bhutan. Very senior
officials representing the donors and development partners participated in the
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